Toxicity evaluation of two insecticides on Tetragonisca angustula and Scaptotrigona xanthotricha (Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract

Stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae, Meliponini) have crucial roles in the ecosystem, offering pollination service and contributing to genetic diversity of species, and also providing honey and wax to humankind. Tetragonisca angustula and Scaptotrigona xanthotricha are species that have been used since ancient times for beekeeping. Currently these and other species have been exposed to agronomic practices, among which the use of synthetic pesticides used for crop protection stands out. The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxicity of the insecticides thiamethoxam and fipronil, which are used in agriculture in several countries in the tropical and subtropical belt in order to establish the risk that these products represent to the survival of these two species. The oral and topical LD50 was obtained by Probit analysis. Comparisons with the LD50s of other stingless bees and Apis mellifera were realized. Although further studies are required to calculate the real risk of the two compounds, the results showed an evident susceptibility of both species. We concluded that it is essential to use tools and practices that reduce the risk, and perform toxicological evaluations of new and existing pesticides on stingless bees.

Keywords

• Pollination
• stingless bees
• Meliponini
• pesticide risk
• toxicology.